when we have disagreements and we talk to each other like a mother and daughter, not as an employer and employee. Miller: We do bring each other focus. Hayes: I’ve learned a lot of management and interpersonal skills. I’ve leaned on my mom for guidance in that area. Miller: Because it’s Katie and her personality, she’s introduced a lot of creativity to what we have here. We’ve unleashed her graphic designer. Katie can visualize a project. Hayes: I am able to keep you up to date on trends. MVB: Has working together changed your mother daughter relationship? Hayes: Yes, it has changed, but not in a bad way. When we’re away from work, it’s hard not to talk about work. ... Working with family is always going to change the dynamic. You are a different person in your personal life than your professional life. Miller: In a lot of ways, it brings you closer and grows your relationship. Hayes: We both are thinkers. At 10:30 at night, if I think of something for the store, I can call her. I know she’ll be up. Miller: When we have an inspiration, we’ll text each other.
Linda Miller and daughter Katie Hayes prepare arrangements.
MVB: What are your roles in the business? Hayes: I’m the store manager. I handle scheduling, payroll. I do all the custom printing, Internet upkeep. I designed the web site. I wear pretty much every hat. My role is manager, Linda is owner. Miller: We’re all prepared to cover for one another, anybody of the four of us here can step in and take over. You have to be able to do that in a small business. My focus today is primarily sales, marketing and the physical labor of setting up events. Hayes: She’s the main contact for large events, proms and weddings. MVB: What have you learned from each other? Hayes: There is a good balance between us. There are times
32 • March 2013 • MN Valley Business
MVB: What do you love about your work? Miller: I learned a long time ago what was most important to me. It wasn’t having a big sale. The most rewarding thing is to watch the people grow that you work with from the age of 16 until they graduate from college. We’re still in contact with them and watching them grow into young women. You want to find the people and use the talents they have, because then you keep your people. Hayes: We both love talking with our customers. Miller: When we ask how was your event and they tell us it was so much better than they ever imagined. We’re in a party store. We sell happiness. MV